let's get down in barcelona // summer && adrian; december 2016 flashback thread

♪ plastiscines - barcelona

Liberty was an idea often associated with France, but for Summer, freedom was Barcelona. In Barcelona, there were no professors clucking at their disappointment in her, no letters asking if she had gotten the best grades in class, and most of all, there was no need to fake an impish, self-assured grin every time someone talked about her 'bad reputation'. She was free to go wherever she wanted and free to do as she pleased, as long as showed up at the terrace for her shift. And even then, despite the occasional rude customers, Summer enjoyed the process of making coffee and serving cakes. The bittersweet smell of coffee almost always relaxed her, and from the terrace, Gabby could see the city lights that glowed as early as dusk. The golden glow from the windows and streetlights made Barcelona look just as magical as Diagon Alley at night. There was no helping it, Summer felt free and in love.

It was a dangerous feeling, being in love. It made Summer want to stay in Barcelona and never leave. She knew, however, that she couldn't stay. At the end of December, she would be flying to Paris and seeking new experiences there. That should've made her excited—she was an adventurer, after all—and yet, somehow, the idea of Paris made her heart ache. No, she would have to let go of Barcelona eventually. As beautiful as it was here, she wasn't even close to finding herself. If she stayed, she would end up working in that cafe forever before she even knew it. She needed to move on eventually, and besides, Paris sounded like a promising city. Numerous artists had their magnum opus in Paris, after all.

Working at a cafe was fun, but Summer doubted swirling hearts on coffee counted as a magnum opus. Sometimes Summer wondered if she was even truly destined for something great. All her life, her parents had pushed her to do her best. She was homeschooled so that 'friends' wouldn't distract her, and when she entered Hogwarts, it disappointed her parents to know that she was sorted into 'the House of the foolishly brave' and not the House for either geniuses or the most ambitious. Summer tried her best, but eventually even her graduation seemed like a surprise to her parents. When Summer announced that she wanted to take a break before university, her parents seemed cheerful and supportive, but Summer could tell that their smiles didn't quite reach their eyes.

She shook herself out her trance as the cashier called out to her and stated a customer's order. For the first time that day, she had to serve someone tea, something she found odd as the cafe's claim to fame was its freshly brewed coffee and quirky coffee art. She brewed the tea, making sure she had put in the perfect amount of leaves so as to make the drink strong but not bitter. The problem with serving tea was that unlike coffee, it didn't give her an opportunity to make art using the drink. Still, Summer did her best to serve everything, even tea, with a bit of love and beauty. The cafe, after all, was known for serving customers in an artistic manner, and it was that quirk that made Summer apply as a barista in the first place. She picked up one of the white paper roses she had made and gingerly set it on the tray, making sure that even the tray looked as if it was about to be photographed for one of those lifestyle magazines.

Proud of her sense of aesthetics, Summer smiled and carried the tray out to the terrace. For the moment, she had forgotten about her family and her forthcoming flight to Paris. She could worry about that later. For now, she wanted to keep enjoying Barcelona and the smell of tea leaves and coffee.

As a waitress, Summer had her fair share of flirtatious customers. Though she only smiled back at most of them, some of them were likeable enough for her to banter with, and those customers often ended up becoming regulars in Jacinta's cafe. Summer even made the effort to remember their names and greet them personally every time they stopped by. Javier, Oscar, Fabian—she remembered them all, so when the newcomer smiled at her and talked to Jacinta like an old friend, Summer did not know how to react.

The newcomer was ridiculously good-looking, in the classic tall, dark and handsome sort of way. He seemed aware of it, too, given how self-assured and well-dressed he was. Summer assumed he was an artist or a journalist of some sort, due to the camera strapped around his neck and the way friendliness came so naturally to him. He looked so comfortable and relaxed in this environment that Summer couldn't believe she'd never seen him in the cafe before. The man who introduced himself as Adrian probably led a busy life, and today was one of those rare days he had for himself.

Before she could reply, Jacinta stepped forward and smiled brightly at the two of them. 'Ah, si, si! Adrian, te presento a Summer. Al igual que la temporada en Inglés, ¿no?'

Summer smiled shyly at Adrian, uncertain how to greet him and acknowledge the introduction. So far, she had been greeting people with besos, or kisses en Inglés, but for some reason she stood frozen to her spot as she looked at the Spaniard. Being a waitress didn't help at all, since Summer wasn't sure if kissing him on the cheeks would be considered impolite on her part. Deciding to play it safe for now so as not to scandalise Jacinta, Summer didn't move and merely nodded at Adrian. 'Encantada,' she breathed. That was more true than Adrian and Jacinta would ever know—Summer truly felt enchanted, and for once it had nothing to do with the view of the quaint Barcelona streets.

As if on cue, Jacinta excused herself and went back to the kitchen where she worked on more cakes. Summer took note of Adrian's order and started to prepare his white hot chocolate, all the while trying to stop herself from stealing glances at him. Men as good-looking as him did not usually come to cafes alone, and yet no woman entered the cafe and planted a kiss or two on Adrian's cheeks. She did notice some of the female customers checking him out, and Summer couldn't blame them. They were all probably celebrating the fact that he was alone, and that it didn't seem like he was waiting for someone at all. Summer smiled despite herself—she couldn't help but feel giddy inside every time she thought about him singling her out, and she hoped he would stop by the cafe more often.

Summer finished making the white hot chocolate by topping it with marshmallows and setting down two peppermint sticks positioned as a heart on the saucer. She hoped she had been able to capture the holiday feel and provide Adrian with a sweet and comforting drink. She quite liked hot chocolate herself, although she didn't enjoy it as much as a cup of coffee. With a smile, Summer set the cup on the table and looked Adrian in the eye. She normally only allowed herself a quick glance at the customer's face, but her gaze lingered on Adrian's face. 'Aquí está su chocolate caliente blanco, espero que disfrute de su bebida.'

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Translations:

'Ah, si, si! Adrian, te presento a Summer. Al igual que la temporada en Inglés, ¿no?' - 'Ah, yes, yes! Adrian, I'd like you to meet Summer. As in the season in English, right?'

'Encantada.' - 'Pleased to meet you.'

'Aquí está su chocolate caliente blanco, espero que disfrute de su bebida.' - 'Here's your white hot chocolate, I hope you enjoy your drink.'

The information on the witch's name made Adrian smile. It was one of those cute names, that was a name and a word of use in another language. Though Adrian would never pick one of those kind of names himself, he understood why some parents would. "Ah, si, si! Summer." He echoed, testing the sound of the name on his lips and appreciating it in that moment.

"Es un placer , honestamente." Adrian responded to her words, not pausing for a moment. Cliche as it was, he never liked for a woman to feel like it was her place to make everything work. And, truth be told, it was definitely a pleasure to have met such a beautiful woman. Coming out that day to Barcelona had been a very good idea, indeed.

"Adiós, Jacinta!" Adrian called after the woman leaving out the back to the kitchen. The older of the two women was lovely, Adrian had always gotten on well with her. Though, that might have been down to his cheeky flirtations with the older woman that he meant only lightheartedly. She called out something in response, but Adrian didn't quite catch her rapid Spanish mutterings in that moment, simply smiling as she looked back at him with a look (that he was sure Summer had not seen) that told him to behave.

A hint of amusement touched Adrian's lips at the older woman's concern. Concern that was not needed because he always behaved exactly how the other party wanted him to. Though, he supposed that would be the maternal instincts kicking in. Adrian moved to one of the high tables, standing and leaning against it as he turned his camera on once more, checking the picture he'd taken outside now that the glare from the sun was no longer playing havoc with the piece.

All the eyes in the world could be on him in that moment, and Adrian would not have known as he looked down at the picture of Summer at work.

'Aquí está su chocolate caliente blanco, espero que disfrute de su bebida.'

The sound of Summer's voice brought him back to the moment, and he noted how she was lingering - not in a bad way - at the table. "Thank you." Adrian responded, slipping in to English without trouble, even though his accent did not go, English was easy enough for him to revert to. He'd learnt from a young age. "I wonder..." Adrian prompted, turning his camera around to show Summer the picture he'd taken earlier that day. "If you would mind me using this in my collection at all. Aside from the beauty that is you, I must admit that everything in this picture is perfect. But, unless you say it is okay, I would not use it." Adrian explained, looking to her hopefully. It was also a test to see if the picture was as good as he believed it to be. Another person's response to the picture that he'd worked hard on.

"Oh, I can pay you... for the modelling services in the picture, if you're not sure. That way, you make money, and I make art, we're both happy, no?" He asked, his hand moving towards his pocket for his wallet as he waited for an answer. Money was not a problem, and that was probably what set Adrian apart from all the other aspiring artists in Barcelona, he could pay for every piece of it, and not leave himself short.


Translations
Es un placer , honestamente - It's my pleasure, honestly.

Wide-eyed, Summer stared at the photograph Adrian was showing her. The photograph almost seemed golden due to the afternoon sun, and Summer had to do a double take before she realised that the smiling woman on the photo was her. Behind her, brick buildings with flower boxes made the photo bloom with dreamy pastel colours, and the vines hanging from the cafe walls framed the scene, making it look as if Summer was in some sort of modern wonderland. But what struck Summer most of all was the expression of pure bliss and contentment on her face, an expression she never imagined she could make. For once, she was glad to have a candid photo taken.

She turned to Adrian again and was startled by how close they were—when she leaned close to look at the photograph, she had completely forgotten that she was standing beside a ridiculously good-looking man. And now that the realisation was finally coming back, Summer found herself a bit too aware of Adrian's face and body. She held his gaze for a moment before stepping back and unconsciously smoothing her hair. Focus. She needed to focus. For one, Adrian had switched to English, which meant that she was still obviously a foreigner in these parts. Then there was also Adrian's offer of paying her for modelling, something she wasn't even aware she had just done.

It was a great offer, especially for someone like Summer. To make ends meet as a 'demi-backpacker', she needed to take on odd jobs like working as a waitress and the occasional babysitting nights, and being paid by Adrian would make things much easier for her. And yet, for some reason, money wasn't the payment Summer wanted. When she looked at the photo, she found herself looking at a moment that defied time. Ten years later, the photograph would still portray a moment that can never be replicated. The location of the photo may remain the same, but in ten years, she wouldn't be as youthful, and the customer may not be as happy to have his tea served. Even the late afternoon sunlight won't look the same on the walls.

'No,' Summer heard herself say, 'I won't take your money as payment.' She was surprised to hear a certain defiance in her voice, and pride swelled up in her chest as she thought about what she just did. In this day and age, to refuse money as a broke twenty-something was either utter foolishness and courage, and Summer was walking on that thin line. And while most sensible twenty-somethings would have accepted Adrian's offer, Summer wasn't exactly a sensible twenty-something. To show that she wasn't insulted by his offer, Summer smiled at Adrian, her eyes twinkling with mischief. He probably wasn't expecting what she was just about to say, and for that, Summer felt like a prankster waiting for her victim's reaction. Except this wasn't a prank, and she really meant what she was about to say. Until Adrian had showed her that photo, she didn't know she could want anything that badly.

Besides, if Adrian says yes, then that means she would get to spend more time with him. And that was something she could definitely look forward to.

'I've got a better idea,' she said. 'Lessons. You can give me lessons. I don't need your money. I've only got my phone for a camera, but I think we can make it work if you're up for it. If you teach me how to take photos as beautifully as you do, then I'm willing to let you use that photo.'

A blush rose up Summer's cheeks as he looked at his hot chocolate to indicate her own artistic skills. For all of her love of beautiful things, it wasn't everyday that she got compliments about them. At most, she got comments about her fashion sense, and it was for that reason that Summer almost considered a career in fashion design. Dressing up other people, however, wasn't exactly something she could imagine doing for the rest of her life. As someone who resisted being told what to do, the last thing she wanted to do was to be a hypocrite and dictate what other people should wear. No, there must be something she could do, something that celebrated beauty instead of trying to construct what beauty was. Thanks to Adrian, she was beginning to have an idea of what she could do with her skills and interests.

Truth be told, she hadn't expected Adrian to say yes. He seemed like a busy sort of man, which was confirmed when he said he'll try to be free to give her lessons. Well, that was something, at least. She had been preparing for herself to be rejected, with a snide remark coming from Adrian about her audacity to ask him for lessons, but instead he actually seemed up for what she wanted. Granted, maybe that was just him saying yes out of utter flirtatiousness, but that didn't matter—what mattered was that Summer would be learning how to do photography. She could already see it in her mind's eyes—the photo walks around Barcelona side by side with Adrian, watching people and making up stories about their lives.

And then eventually, maybe, Adrian would tell her his story, and she would listen. They would tell each other their secret hopes and dreams, either underneath the orange glow of the sunset or the city lights of Barcelona at midnight, and they could catch a train somewhere and get into fun adventures they've never had before. When they part ways, she would treasure the memories forever, suspended in time like a photograph.

But of course, Summer was getting ahead of herself. Right now, Adrian was alright with teaching her photography, and that was all that mattered. Fortunately, she was working for Jacinta, and Jacinta understood that Summer was first and foremost a young traveller. She had given Summer a schedule that wasn't too hard on Summer's wanderlust—Summer was only required to work at least 35 hours a week, and Summer made her schedule so that her afternoons were usually free. She was on the late afternoon shift only because Bella, a coworker, had called in sick, and Jacinta asked if Summer could cover for Bella. Summer couldn't help but wonder if her serendipitous meeeting with Adrian was actually fate's design. If it was, then fate was sweeter than she thought.

It didn't matter to her that Adrian was a muggle (at least she guessed he was)—she was eager to experience the possibilities opening up to her. Eager to get to know him.

'I'm flattered you think so,' she replied, her eyes lighting up. If he thought she had potential just because of the way she served tea, then he should see the clothes she wore and how she decorated her room. The latter might be a problem, though, given the moving paintings and other sorts of magical items she kept in her tiny, rented flat, but all the same she wondered about what Adrian would think of her room. She put a bit of her heart and soul in everything she did, and for some reason Adrian's opinion seemed to matter to her so much. Catching herself staring at him, she looked away briefly and bit her lip, pretending to be deep in thought about her schedule.

She glanced at her watch, an accessory that felt clunky on her normally bare wrists. 'My shift ends in about an hour, and I'm usually on the morning to noon shift here.' Her dimples showed as she looked at him again. 'I prefer to keep my late afternoons and evenings free, since it's the best time to walk around the city. What about you? I hope I won't get in the way of your work.'

Two conflicting thoughts warred in Summer's mind. The first one was that Adrian, with his expensive Rolex watch and probably bespoke clothes, was nothing but pure and utter trouble and that asking him for photography lessons was a terrible decision. The second one was that despite his 'I shop at Spanish Harrods' exterior, he must be an artist who poured his heart and soul into his photographs. Oh, bloody hell. She knew she was walking on dangerous territory here, and the worst bit was that she was enjoying it. Both thoughts only made him even more appealing to her, and so when he said he'll be back, Summer felt a fluttering in her stomach.

'Bueno, voy a esperar aquí,' she said as he stood up to leave. She couldn't help but notice how he stood there for a moment, as if he were reluctant to leave. As if on cue, Jacinta came out of the kitchen just in time to see her watch him walk out the door. It was a while before Summer snapped out, and when she did, she turned to see Jacinta smiling knowingly at her.

'¿Es muy bonito, no? Muy encantador.' Jacinta spoke fondly of Adrian, and Summer wondered just how long they had known each other.

'¿Es poli? Él es un policía extrañamente vestido,' Summer replied, thinking about what Adrian said about being a cop. Somehow, she could believe it, and yet the way he said it seemed... suspicious. It was as if he was more like an MI5 agent and less like a cop. Then again, the last thing an MI5 agent would want is to seem suspicious, so Adrian was either playing at being James Bond to look cool or he was truly in law enforcement. This was probably one of those ploys to make himself look more attractive to Summer, but Summer didn't care. If the law enforcement thing was a lie, then the process of discovering the truth would be the fun part.

She waited for Jacinta to reply, but the older woman didn't say anything. Jacinta only smiled at her kindly then went back inside, a smile which Summer interpreted as, 'Oh, you poor latest victim to Adrian's charms.' Summer smiled back at the receding figure of Jacinta. Oh no, mi amiga, she thought, I'm not just a poor latest victim to Adrian's charms. I'm different and memorable, and I'll make sure he knows that.

'Bueno, voy a esperar aqui.' - 'Okay, I'll wait for you here.'

'¿Es muy bonito, no? Muy encantador.' - 'He's very nice, isn't he? A real charmer.'

'¿Es poli? Él es un policía extrañamente vestido,' - 'He's a cop? He's strangely dressed for a cop.'